10768719

Touch Display Device, Touch System, Touch Driving Circuit, Pen, and Pen Sensing Method

PublishedSeptember 8, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
22 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A touch driving circuit comprising: a driving unit configured to supply an uplink signal to more than one of a plurality of touch electrodes included in a touch panel; and a sensing unit configured to generate and output sensing data when a first downlink signal output from a tip of a pen and a second downlink signal output from a ring of the pen are received through the more than one of the plurality of touch electrodes, wherein, when the pen is tilted to reach a predetermined angle with respect to a surface of the touch panel, the touch electrode receiving a maximum value of received signal strength for each touch electrode for the first downlink signal and the touch electrode receiving a maximum value of received signal strength for each touch electrode for the second downlink signal are different from each other, wherein the driving unit configured to supply the uplink signal and the sensing unit configured to generate and output the sensing data are performed during one or more touch driving periods in a driving timing, wherein the one or more touch driving periods for touch driving and one or more display driving periods for display driving are alternately assigned in a time-division manner or independently defined in an independent manner, and wherein, when the touch display device is driven in the time-division manner, the one or more touch driving periods are blank periods during which the display driving is not performed, and when the touch display device is driven in the independent manner, the display driving and the touch driving are simultaneously performed.

Plain English Translation

Touch sensing technology and electronic devices. This invention addresses the challenge of accurately detecting pen input, particularly when the pen is tilted. A touch driving circuit includes a driving unit that provides an uplink signal to multiple touch electrodes within a touch panel. A sensing unit then generates and outputs sensing data. This data is produced upon receiving a first downlink signal from a pen tip and a second downlink signal from a pen ring, both signals received through the touch electrodes. A key aspect is that when a pen is tilted to a predetermined angle relative to the touch panel surface, the touch electrode that receives the strongest signal for the pen tip's downlink signal differs from the touch electrode that receives the strongest signal for the pen ring's downlink signal. The driving and sensing operations occur during specific touch driving periods within a defined timing. These touch driving periods are managed either by time-division multiplexing with display driving periods, where touch driving periods are inactive display periods, or through an independent definition where touch and display driving can occur simultaneously.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The touch driving circuit of claim 1 , wherein each of the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal is a modulated signal having a variable voltage level.

Plain English Translation

A touch driving circuit is used in touch-sensitive devices to detect touch inputs by transmitting and receiving signals through touch electrodes. A common challenge in such systems is ensuring accurate touch detection while minimizing interference and power consumption. The invention addresses this by using modulated downlink signals with variable voltage levels to improve signal integrity and reduce noise. The touch driving circuit includes a transmitter configured to generate and transmit a first downlink signal and a second downlink signal to a touch sensor. The first downlink signal is transmitted during a first time period, and the second downlink signal is transmitted during a second time period. Each of these signals is a modulated signal, meaning its voltage level varies over time according to a specific modulation scheme. This modulation helps distinguish the touch signals from noise and other interference, improving detection accuracy. The variable voltage levels allow the signals to adapt to different operating conditions, such as varying environmental noise or touch sensor characteristics, ensuring reliable performance. The circuit may also include a receiver to process the received signals and determine touch positions based on the signal variations. This approach enhances touch sensitivity and reduces false detections, making it suitable for high-performance touchscreens and other touch-sensitive interfaces.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The touch driving circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal have different amplitudes.

Plain English Translation

A touch driving circuit is used in touch-sensitive devices to detect user input by transmitting and receiving signals through touch electrodes. A common challenge in such systems is ensuring accurate touch detection while minimizing interference and signal distortion. This invention addresses the problem by using two downlink signals with different amplitudes to improve signal clarity and reduce noise. The touch driving circuit includes a transmitter configured to generate a first downlink signal and a second downlink signal, each transmitted through different touch electrodes. The first downlink signal and the second downlink signal have distinct amplitudes, allowing the system to differentiate between them and enhance touch detection accuracy. By varying the signal amplitudes, the circuit can better distinguish between intentional touch inputs and unintended noise, improving overall performance. The use of different amplitudes also helps in reducing crosstalk between adjacent electrodes, ensuring more reliable touch sensing. This approach is particularly useful in multi-touch systems where multiple signals are processed simultaneously. The invention provides a more robust and efficient way to handle touch input in electronic devices.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The touch driving circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal have a difference in phase.

Plain English Translation

A touch driving circuit is designed to improve the accuracy and reliability of touch sensing in electronic devices by utilizing phase-differentiated downlink signals. The circuit operates in a system where a touch panel is driven by downlink signals transmitted from a driving circuit to sensing electrodes. The downlink signals include a first downlink signal and a second downlink signal, which are intentionally phase-shifted relative to each other. This phase difference helps distinguish between genuine touch inputs and noise or interference, enhancing signal clarity and reducing false detections. The circuit may also include a signal processing unit that analyzes the phase relationship between the downlink signals to determine touch locations or gestures with higher precision. By introducing a controlled phase difference, the system can better isolate touch-related signal components from background noise, improving overall touch sensitivity and response time. This approach is particularly useful in applications where environmental interference or multi-touch detection accuracy is critical, such as smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays. The phase differentiation technique allows for more robust touch detection without requiring additional hardware, making it a cost-effective solution for enhancing touchscreen performance.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The touch driving circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal are output from the pen during different periods.

Plain English Translation

A touch driving circuit is designed for use in a touch-sensitive display system, particularly for distinguishing between signals from a stylus (pen) and other touch inputs. The system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting and processing touch inputs in environments where multiple types of interactions occur simultaneously, such as when a user's finger and a stylus are both in contact with the display. The circuit includes a signal processing module that receives and differentiates between a first downlink signal and a second downlink signal transmitted by the stylus. These signals are generated by the stylus during different time periods, allowing the circuit to distinguish between them based on their timing. The circuit may also include a synchronization module to coordinate the timing of signal transmission and reception, ensuring that the downlink signals are properly separated in time to avoid interference. By processing these signals separately, the system can accurately determine the position and characteristics of the stylus input, improving the overall responsiveness and accuracy of the touch-sensitive display. This approach enhances the user experience by reducing errors and ensuring precise tracking of stylus movements.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The touch driving circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal are output from the pen during the same period.

Plain English Translation

A touch driving circuit is designed for use in a touch-sensitive display system, particularly for processing signals from an active stylus (pen). The system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting and distinguishing touch inputs from both a passive touch (e.g., a finger) and an active stylus, which may operate simultaneously or in close proximity. The circuit includes a pen detection module that receives downlink signals from the stylus to determine its position and state. The downlink signals are modulated and transmitted by the stylus in response to uplink signals from the touch panel. The circuit processes these signals to extract positional and pressure data, enabling precise tracking of the stylus. A key feature is the simultaneous transmission of two downlink signals from the stylus during the same time period. This allows the circuit to enhance signal robustness and accuracy by cross-referencing the two signals, reducing interference and improving noise immunity. The circuit may also include synchronization mechanisms to align the downlink signals with the touch panel's scanning cycles, ensuring reliable data acquisition. The overall system enables seamless interaction between passive and active touch inputs, improving user experience in applications such as graphic design, note-taking, and precision input tasks.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. A touch display device comprising: a touch panel including a plurality of touch electrodes; and a touch circuit including one or more touch driving circuits supplying a touch driving signal to the touch panel and receiving a touch sensing signal from the touch panel, wherein the one or more touch driving circuit includes: a driving unit supplying an uplink signal to more than one of a plurality of touch electrodes included in a touch panel; and a sensing unit generating and outputting sensing data when a first downlink signal output from a tip of a pen and a second downlink signal output from a ring of the pen are received through the more than one of the plurality of touch electrodes, wherein, when the pen is tilted to reach a predetermined angle with respect to a surface of the touch panel, the touch electrode receiving a maximum value of received signal strength for each touch electrode for the first downlink signal and the touch electrode receiving a maximum value of received signal strength for each touch electrode for the second downlink signal are different from each other, wherein the one or more touch driving circuits supplying the touch driving signal and the receiving a touch sensing signal are performed during one or more touch driving periods in a driving timing, wherein the one or more touch driving periods for touch driving and one or more display driving periods for display driving are alternately assigned in a time-division manner or independently defined in an independent manner, and wherein, when the touch display device is driven in the time-division manner, the one or more touch driving periods are blank periods during which the display driving is not performed, or when the touch display device is driven in the independent manner, the display driving and the touch driving are simultaneously performed.

Plain English Translation

A touch display device includes a touch panel with multiple touch electrodes and a touch circuit containing one or more touch driving circuits. The touch driving circuits supply a touch driving signal to the touch panel and receive a touch sensing signal. Each touch driving circuit has a driving unit that sends an uplink signal to multiple touch electrodes and a sensing unit that generates sensing data when it detects two downlink signals—a first signal from the tip of a pen and a second signal from the pen's ring. When the pen is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the touch panel surface, the touch electrode receiving the strongest signal for the tip differs from the one receiving the strongest signal for the ring. The touch driving and display driving operations are managed in either a time-division or independent manner. In time-division mode, touch driving occurs during blank periods when display driving is inactive. In independent mode, both touch and display driving operate simultaneously. This design enables precise pen position and tilt detection while optimizing display and touch functionality.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The touch display device of claim 7 , wherein one or more touch electrode of the plurality of touch electrodes receives a DC voltage during a first period during which the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal are output from the pen.

Plain English Translation

A touch display device includes a display panel with a plurality of touch electrodes arranged in a grid pattern. The device supports both touch input from a user's finger and pen input from an active stylus. The stylus communicates with the device using uplink and downlink signals. The device outputs a first downlink signal to the stylus during a first time period and a second downlink signal during a second time period. The first downlink signal is used to synchronize the stylus with the device, while the second downlink signal provides data or commands to the stylus. During the first time period when the downlink signals are active, one or more touch electrodes receive a DC voltage. This DC voltage may be applied to improve signal integrity, reduce interference, or enhance the performance of the touch sensing system. The touch electrodes may be part of a capacitive sensing array that detects changes in capacitance caused by the stylus or a user's finger. The device may also include a controller that processes the touch and pen input signals to determine the position and movement of the stylus or finger on the display. The DC voltage applied to the touch electrodes during the downlink signal periods helps maintain stable communication between the stylus and the device while ensuring accurate touch sensing.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The touch display device of claim 7 , wherein one or more touch electrode of the plurality of touch electrodes receives a modulated signal during a second period different from the first period during which the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal are output from the pen.

Plain English Translation

A touch display device includes a display panel with a plurality of touch electrodes arranged in a grid pattern. The device supports both touch input from a user's finger and stylus input from an active pen. The pen transmits a first downlink signal and a second downlink signal during a first period to enable precise position detection. The touch electrodes receive these signals to determine the pen's position. Additionally, one or more touch electrodes receive a modulated signal during a second period, distinct from the first period, to further enhance position tracking or enable additional functionality. The modulated signal may be used for fine-tuning pen position detection, improving signal-to-noise ratio, or enabling bidirectional communication between the pen and the display. The device may also include a controller to process the received signals and determine the pen's position based on the downlink signals and the modulated signal. The touch electrodes may be integrated into the display panel, such as within a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer, to minimize space and maintain display performance. The system ensures accurate and responsive pen tracking while supporting simultaneous touch input.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The touch display device of claim 9 , wherein the touch circuit senses a touch by a finger based on a signal received through the one or more touch electrode in response to the modulated signal, during the second period.

Plain English Translation

A touch display device includes a display panel with a plurality of pixels and a touch circuit configured to detect touch inputs. The touch circuit operates in a first period where a display signal is provided to the pixels and a second period where a modulated signal is applied to one or more touch electrodes. During the second period, the touch circuit senses a touch by a finger based on a signal received through the touch electrodes in response to the modulated signal. The touch electrodes may be integrated within the display panel, such as in a common electrode layer, and the modulated signal may be a common voltage signal. The touch circuit processes the received signal to determine touch location and characteristics, such as pressure or gesture, while minimizing interference from the display signal. This approach allows for simultaneous display and touch sensing, improving responsiveness and reducing power consumption compared to time-division multiplexing methods. The device may further include a controller to coordinate the timing of the display and touch operations, ensuring accurate touch detection without disrupting display performance. The touch electrodes may be arranged in a grid or other pattern to cover the display area, and the modulated signal may be adjusted dynamically to optimize touch sensitivity and noise rejection.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The touch display device of claim 1 , wherein the touch circuit senses the pen coordinates based on the received signal strength for each touch electrode for the first downlink signal and the received signal strength for each touch electrode for the second downlink signal, and senses the pen tilt based on the received signal strength for each touch electrode for the first downlink signal and the received signal strength for each touch electrode for the second downlink signal.

Plain English Translation

A touch display device includes a touch circuit configured to detect both pen coordinates and pen tilt using signal strength measurements from touch electrodes. The device operates by transmitting two downlink signals, each with distinct characteristics, to a stylus or pen. The touch circuit measures the received signal strength (RSS) for each touch electrode in response to both downlink signals. By analyzing the RSS patterns from the first and second downlink signals, the circuit determines the precise coordinates of the pen on the display surface. Additionally, the same RSS measurements from both signals are used to calculate the pen's tilt angle relative to the display. This approach enables accurate positional tracking and tilt detection without requiring additional hardware or complex signal processing, improving the responsiveness and functionality of the touch interface. The system is particularly useful in applications where precise input, such as handwriting or drawing, is required, ensuring smooth and natural interaction with the display.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The touch display device of claim 11 , wherein a driving frequency for sensing the pen coordinates is different from a driving frequency for sensing the pen tilt.

Plain English Translation

A touch display device includes a display panel and a touch sensor layer configured to detect both pen coordinates and pen tilt. The device uses a first driving frequency to sense the pen coordinates and a second, different driving frequency to sense the pen tilt. The touch sensor layer may include multiple electrodes arranged in a grid pattern, where the electrodes are driven with specific signals to generate electric fields that interact with the pen. The pen coordinates are determined by analyzing the electric field disturbances caused by the pen's position, while the pen tilt is detected by measuring variations in the electric field strength or phase at different angles. The device may also include a controller that processes the sensed data to calculate the pen's position and tilt, providing precise input for applications requiring detailed stylus interaction. The use of different driving frequencies for coordinate and tilt sensing allows for independent optimization of each measurement, improving accuracy and reducing interference between the two sensing modes. This design is particularly useful in high-precision touchscreens for digital art, note-taking, and other applications where both position and angle of the stylus are critical.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The touch display device of claim 11 , wherein the driving frequency for sensing the pen coordinates is the same as the driving frequency for sensing the pen tilt.

Plain English Translation

A touch display device includes a display panel and a touch sensor layer configured to detect both pen coordinates and pen tilt. The device uses a driving frequency for sensing the pen coordinates and the same driving frequency for sensing the pen tilt. The touch sensor layer may include multiple sensing electrodes arranged in a grid pattern to detect changes in capacitance or other electrical properties caused by the pen's interaction with the display. The device may also include a controller that processes signals from the touch sensor layer to determine the pen's position and tilt angle. The driving frequency is selected to optimize signal-to-noise ratio and response time, ensuring accurate detection of both coordinates and tilt. The system may further include a pen with a conductive tip and additional conductive elements to facilitate tilt detection. The touch sensor layer may be integrated into the display panel or positioned as a separate layer above or below the display. The device may also include calibration routines to compensate for environmental factors or manufacturing variations. The driving frequency is synchronized across both coordinate and tilt sensing to simplify hardware design and reduce power consumption. The system may be used in applications requiring precise input, such as graphic design, engineering, or digital art.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The touch display device of claim 11 , wherein the pen coordinates includes an X-axis component and a Y-axis component of an angle formed by a normal line of the surface and the pen when a surface of the touch panel is a plane composed of an X-axis and a Y-axis.

Plain English Translation

A touch display device includes a touch panel and a pen for interacting with the panel. The device determines pen coordinates based on the position of the pen relative to the touch panel. The pen coordinates include both an X-axis component and a Y-axis component of an angle formed between a normal line of the touch panel surface and the pen. This angle is measured when the touch panel surface is treated as a plane defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis. The device may also include a processor that processes the pen coordinates to determine the pen's position or movement on the touch panel. The touch panel may be part of a larger display system, such as a tablet or a touchscreen monitor, where the pen provides precise input for tasks like drawing, writing, or selecting objects. The angle measurement helps track the pen's orientation, allowing for more accurate input detection, especially when the pen is tilted or used at different angles relative to the panel. This feature enhances the device's ability to interpret pen-based interactions, improving user experience in applications requiring fine control, such as graphic design or handwriting recognition.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The touch display device of claim 11 , wherein, when a surface of the touch panel is a plane composed of an X-axis and a Y-axis, the pen coordinates includes an angle formed by a normal line of the surface and the pen and an azimuth formed by orthogonal projection, in which the pen is vertically lowered to the surface, with respect to the X-axis.

Plain English Translation

A touch display device includes a touch panel and a pen for interacting with the touch panel. The device is designed to detect and process pen coordinates when the pen is used to interact with the touch panel. The pen coordinates include both an angle and an azimuth. The angle is formed between a normal line perpendicular to the touch panel surface and the pen itself. The azimuth is determined by the orthogonal projection of the pen onto the touch panel surface, measured relative to the X-axis of the touch panel. This allows the device to track the pen's position and orientation in three-dimensional space, providing more precise input data for applications requiring detailed pen interactions. The touch panel surface is a flat plane defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis, and the pen's position and angle are calculated relative to this plane. This technology enhances the accuracy and functionality of touch display devices by enabling advanced pen-based input methods, such as pressure-sensitive drawing, 3D modeling, or gesture recognition. The system improves user experience by providing more natural and precise interactions with digital content.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. A pen comprising: a housing; a tip protruding to an outside of the housing; a ring provided inside the housing and having a shape enclosing an inner side surface of the housing; and a pen driving circuit provided inside the housing, electrically connected to one or more of the tip and the ring, and to output a downlink signal through the one or more of the tip and the ring connection to a touch display device, wherein the pen driving circuit drives the tip and the ring during one or more touch driving periods in a driving timing, wherein the one or more touch driving periods for touch driving and one or more display driving periods for display driving are alternately assigned in a time-division manner or independently defined in an independent manner, and wherein, when the touch display device is driven in the time-division manner, the one or more touch driving periods are blank periods during which the display driving is not performed, or when the touch display device is driven in the independent manner, the display driving and the touch driving are simultaneously performed.

Plain English Translation

A pen is designed for use with a touch display device, addressing the challenge of coordinating touch input and display functionality without interference. The pen includes a housing with a protruding tip and a conductive ring inside the housing, enclosing the inner side surface. A pen driving circuit inside the housing is electrically connected to the tip and/or the ring, transmitting downlink signals to the touch display device. The circuit drives the tip and ring during designated touch driving periods, which are synchronized with the display device's operation. The touch and display driving periods can be time-division multiplexed, where touch driving occurs during blank periods when display driving is inactive, or they can operate independently, allowing simultaneous touch and display driving. This design ensures reliable touch input detection while maintaining display performance, avoiding conflicts between the two functions. The pen's structure and circuit configuration enable seamless interaction with the touch display device, enhancing user experience by minimizing latency and ensuring accurate touch detection.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The pen of claim 16 , further comprising a first switch circuit electrically connecting the tip and the pen driving circuit at a first timing when the tip and the ring are driven in the time-division manner and electrically connecting the ring and the pen driving circuit at a second timing, which is different from the first timing.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a pen device for use in touch-sensitive displays, particularly addressing the challenge of accurately detecting both tip and ring inputs in a time-division manner. The pen includes a tip, a ring, and a pen driving circuit that generates signals for touch detection. The pen further comprises a first switch circuit that selectively connects either the tip or the ring to the pen driving circuit at different timings. During a first timing interval, the switch circuit connects the tip to the pen driving circuit, allowing the tip's position to be detected. During a second, distinct timing interval, the switch circuit connects the ring to the pen driving circuit, enabling the ring's position to be detected. This time-division approach prevents interference between the tip and ring signals, ensuring accurate and independent detection of both inputs. The pen may also include a second switch circuit that connects the tip and ring to a common ground during idle periods, reducing power consumption and noise. The invention improves the functionality of stylus pens by enabling simultaneous or sequential detection of multiple input points without signal interference.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The pen of claim 16 , further comprising a second switch circuit electrically connecting the tip and the ring with the pen driving circuit simultaneously when the tip and the ring are driven simultaneously.

Plain English Translation

A digital pen includes a conductive tip and a conductive ring, each capable of transmitting signals to a writing surface. The pen has a pen driving circuit that generates signals for the tip and ring, allowing the pen to function as a stylus for touch-sensitive devices. The pen also includes a first switch circuit that selectively connects the tip or the ring to the pen driving circuit, enabling independent operation of either the tip or the ring. Additionally, the pen has a second switch circuit that simultaneously connects both the tip and the ring to the pen driving circuit, allowing both components to transmit signals at the same time. This dual-connection capability enhances the pen's functionality, enabling advanced interactions such as simultaneous input from both the tip and the ring, which can be useful for multi-point touch or gesture recognition. The pen may also include a housing that supports the tip and ring, along with the necessary circuitry to control their operation. The design ensures reliable signal transmission while maintaining compatibility with various touch-sensitive surfaces.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. A pen sensing method comprising: supplying an uplink signal to one or more touch electrode of a plurality of touch electrodes included in a touch display device; receiving a first downlink signal and a second downlink signal output from a pen through the one or more touch electrode of the plurality of touch electrodes; and sensing pen coordinates and/or a pen tilt of the pen based on received signal strength for each touch electrode for the first downlink signal and received signal strength for each touch electrode for the second downlink signal, wherein the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal are received during different periods or during the same period, wherein the supplying the uplink signal and the receiving the first and second downlink signals are performed during one or more touch driving periods in a driving timing, wherein the one or more touch driving periods for touch driving and one or more display driving periods for display driving are alternately assigned in a time-division manner or independently defined in an independent manner, and wherein, when the touch display device is driven in the time-division manner, the one or more touch driving periods are blank periods during which the display driving is not performed, or when the touch display device is driven in an independent manner, the display driving and the touch driving are simultaneously performed.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a pen sensing method for touch display devices, addressing the challenge of accurately detecting pen coordinates and tilt in a touch-sensitive display. The method involves transmitting an uplink signal to one or more touch electrodes within a touch display device. The device then receives two downlink signals from a pen—first and second downlink signals—through the touch electrodes. These signals are analyzed to determine the pen's position and tilt by evaluating the received signal strength for each electrode. The first and second downlink signals may be received either sequentially or simultaneously. The uplink signal transmission and downlink signal reception occur during designated touch driving periods, which are integrated into the device's overall driving timing. These touch driving periods can be structured in two ways: time-division multiplexing, where touch and display driving alternate, with touch driving occurring during blank periods when display driving is inactive, or independent driving, where touch and display operations occur simultaneously without interference. This approach ensures precise pen tracking while maintaining display functionality.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The pen sensing method of claim 19 , wherein the sensing pen coordinates and/or the pen tilt of the pen includes: determining tip coordinates of a tip included in the pen from the received signal strength for each touch electrode for the first downlink signal and determining ring coordinates of a ring included in the pen from the received signal strength for each touch electrode for the second downlink signal, calculating a distance between the tip coordinates and the ring coordinates, and determining the pen coordinates by correcting the tip coordinates or the ring coordinates based on the distance between the tip coordinates and the ring coordinates.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to pen sensing technology, specifically improving the accuracy of pen position and tilt detection in touch-sensitive systems. The problem addressed is the inherent inaccuracy in determining pen coordinates and tilt due to variations in signal strength and interference from multiple components of the pen, such as the tip and ring. The solution involves a method to precisely locate both the pen tip and ring using distinct downlink signals, then refining the pen's position based on the spatial relationship between these components. The method begins by transmitting a first downlink signal to determine the tip coordinates of the pen. Each touch electrode in the system measures the received signal strength of this downlink signal, allowing the system to calculate the tip's position. A second downlink signal is then transmitted to determine the ring coordinates, again using signal strength measurements from the touch electrodes. The system calculates the distance between the tip and ring coordinates, then corrects either the tip or ring coordinates based on this distance to improve overall pen position accuracy. This correction step ensures that the pen's position is determined more precisely, accounting for any misalignment or interference between the tip and ring signals. The method may also be used to determine pen tilt by analyzing the relative positions of the tip and ring. This approach enhances the reliability of pen-based input systems, particularly in applications requiring high precision, such as digital art and engineering design.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The pen sensing method of claim 19 , wherein the sensing pen coordinates and/or the pen tilt of the pen includes: determining tip coordinates of a tip included in the pen from the received signal strength for each touch electrode for the first downlink signal and determining ring coordinates of a ring included in the pen from the received signal strength for each touch electrode for the second downlink signal, calculating a distance between the tip coordinates and the ring coordinates based on the tip coordinates and the ring coordinates, calculating a pen tilt for the pen based on the distance, calculating a constant correction value of pen coordinate offset based on the distance, and calculating a direction correction value of the pen coordinate offset based on the pen tilt, and determining the pen coordinates based on the tip coordinates or the ring coordinates, the constant correction value of the pen coordinate offset, and the direction correction value.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to pen sensing technology for touch-sensitive devices, specifically improving the accuracy of pen position and tilt detection. The problem addressed is the inherent inaccuracy in determining pen coordinates and tilt due to variations in signal strength and interference from the pen's conductive components. The solution involves a multi-step process to refine pen position and tilt measurements. First, the system determines the coordinates of both the pen tip and a conductive ring on the pen by analyzing received signal strength from touch electrodes for two distinct downlink signals. The distance between the tip and ring coordinates is then calculated, which is used to derive both a constant and a directional correction value for the pen's coordinate offset. The pen tilt is computed based on this distance, and the final pen coordinates are adjusted by applying the correction values to either the tip or ring coordinates. This method enhances precision in pen tracking by accounting for the physical separation between the pen tip and ring, reducing errors caused by signal interference and improving the overall user experience in touch-sensitive applications.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. A touch system comprising: a touch display device including a touch panel having a plurality of touch electrodes, and a touch circuit for supplying an uplink signal to one or more touch electrode of the plurality of touch electrodes and receiving a downlink signal through the one or more touch electrode of the plurality of touch electrodes; and a pen receiving the uplink signal and outputting the downlink signal, wherein the touch circuit receives a first downlink signal and a second downlink signal output from the pen through the one or more touch electrode of the plurality of touch electrodes, and senses the pen based on received signal strength for each touch electrode for the first downlink signal and received signal strength for each touch electrode for the second downlink signal, and when the pen is tilted to reach a predetermined angle with respect to a surface of the touch panel, the touch electrode receiving a maximum value of received signal strength for each touch electrode for the first downlink signal and the touch electrode receiving a maximum value of received signal strength for each touch electrode for the second downlink signal are different from each other, wherein the touch circuit for supplying an uplink signal and the pen receiving the uplink signal and outputting the downlink signal are performed during one or more touch driving periods in a driving timing, wherein the one or more touch driving periods for touch driving and one or more display driving periods for display driving are alternately assigned in a time-division manner or independently defined in an independent manner, and wherein, when the touch display device is driven in the time-division manner, the one or more touch driving periods are blank periods during which the display driving is not performed or when the touch display device is driven in the independent manner, the display driving and the touch driving are simultaneously performed.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a touch system that enables precise pen detection, including tilt angle determination, on a touch display device. The system includes a touch display device with a touch panel having multiple touch electrodes and a touch circuit that supplies an uplink signal to one or more electrodes and receives a downlink signal from a pen through those electrodes. The pen receives the uplink signal and outputs the downlink signal. The touch circuit analyzes the received signal strength of the downlink signal across the electrodes to detect the pen's position. When the pen is tilted beyond a predetermined angle relative to the touch panel surface, the electrodes receiving the strongest downlink signals for two different downlink signals differ, allowing the system to determine the pen's tilt. The touch and display functions operate in either a time-division manner, where touch driving occurs during blank periods when display driving is inactive, or an independent manner, where both functions operate simultaneously. This design ensures accurate pen tracking while maintaining display performance.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

September 8, 2020

Inventors

Suyun Ju
HyungUk Jang
SangHyuck Bae
Sungsu Han
DoYoung Jung

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Cite as: Patentable. “TOUCH DISPLAY DEVICE, TOUCH SYSTEM, TOUCH DRIVING CIRCUIT, PEN, AND PEN SENSING METHOD” (10768719). https://patentable.app/patents/10768719

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TOUCH DISPLAY DEVICE, TOUCH SYSTEM, TOUCH DRIVING CIRCUIT, PEN, AND PEN SENSING METHOD